Data & Analytics Graduate Review

My time at NatWest Group, especially through the graduate scheme, was a highly positive and formative experience. I had the opportunity to rotate through a range of data roles - data analyst, data scientist, data engineer, and ML engineer - which helped me build a strong foundation and understand the end-to-end data journey. Working across different business domains also gave me valuable insight into how data is applied in varied contexts to drive decisions and innovation. The scheme offered a supportive environment for learning and growth, and I’m grateful for the exposure and development it provided.

As a data analyst, I focused on interpreting data and creating visual insights. I particularly enjoyed working with tools like Tableau, which helped me communicate findings effectively and support decision-making.
As a data scientist, I was involved in developing predictive models and experimenting with different techniques. I found the process of iterating and refining models both challenging and rewarding.
In the data engineer role, I gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of data quality. I worked on building pipelines for data cleaning, aggregation, and transformation—ensuring that data was reliable and ready for downstream use.
Finally, as a machine learning engineer, I enjoyed the hands-on coding and debugging involved in building scalable, automated ML pipelines. This role allowed me to combine software engineering practices with machine learning, which I found particularly engaging.
Each role offered unique insights and helped me build a comprehensive understanding of the data ecosystem.

In each of my placement teams, I was given ownership of projects that had real impact. Being trusted to lead meaningful work and seeing how it contributed to the bank’s goals made the experience fulfilling. It was motivating to know that my contributions were valued, and I felt supported by my teams throughout. This sense of ownership and recognition helped me grow both technically and professionally.

As a graduate, the benefits are relatively limited, but there are still some valuable inclusions. The pension scheme is a solid offering, and I’ve also appreciated occasional company share awards, which help build a sense of long-term investment in the organisation. The graduate scheme itself focuses heavily on development and exposure, which I’ve found worthwhile. While the current package is fair for the level of responsibility, I look forward to accessing a broader range of perks and benefits as I progress in my career.

The graduate scheme has been a strong foundation for my future career in data and analytics. Rotating through different roles has given me a broad skill set and a clear understanding of how each function contributes to the wider data ecosystem. I’ve gained hands-on experience with tools, techniques, and real-world challenges, which has helped me identify my strengths and interests. The exposure to different business domains and the opportunity to work on impactful projects have also built my confidence and adaptability, preparing me well for more specialised or senior roles ahead.

Yes

The graduate scheme offers a strong foundation through varied role rotations, exposure to different business areas, and opportunities to develop both technical and professional skills. The environment is supportive, and there’s a genuine focus on learning and growth.